Media Contact: Tom Whitty 0488 084 717| tom.whitty@minstaff.vic.gov.auMonday, 8 October 2018GRANTS AVAILABLE TO MAKE FISHING EVEN BETTERThe Andrews Labor Government is calling for great ideas, big and small, to make recreational fishing in Victoriaeven better.Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Jaala Pulford announced the 2018/19 round of Recreational Fishing GrantsProgram is now open – returning money collected through fishing licence fees back recreational anglers.Last year, the Program allocated more than $1 million of licence fees to 16 projects across Victoria, as well ascontributing significant funding to fisheries officers, VRFish and fish production at Snobs Creek.Project proposals between $5,000 and $100,000 qualify for the large grants part of the Program, which has fourcategories:• Fisheries sustainability and habitat improvement• Fishing access and facilities• Fisheries related education, information and training• Recreational fisheries researchPreviously funded projects include fish cleaning tables, signage, stiles over fences to improve access, fishingplatforms and jetties, and re-snagging to improve fish habitat in rivers and lakes.The Program is open to fishing clubs, community groups, incorporated bodies, and government and statutorybodies.Application for large grants close on 28 February 2019, with small grants of up to $5,000 available year-round.The Recreational Fishing Grants Program complements the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan,which is investing a record $46 million to get more people fishing more often.For more information, or to apply online, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants.Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford“We want to continue the wonderful work funded by licence fees and Target One Million to further improve fishingfor newcomers and experts.”“Whether you fish on the coast, our stunning bays and inlets or in pristine freshwater lakes and rivers – only Labordelivers for recreational anglers.”